Ivanhoe - Penn State University

CHAPTER XXIX
Ascend the watch-tower yonder, valiant soldier,
Look on the field, and say how goes the battle.
Schiller’s Maid of Orleans.
A MOMENT OF PERIL is often also a moment of open-hearted
kindness and affection. We are thrown off our guard by the
general agitation of our feelings, and betray the intensity of
those, which, at more tranquil periods, our prudence at least
conceals, if it cannot altogether suppress them. In finding herself
once more by the side of Ivanhoe, Rebecca was astonished
at the keen sensation of pleasure which she experienced,
even at a time when all around them both was danger, if not
despair. As she felt his pulse, and enquired after his health,
there was a softness in her touch and in her accents implying
a kinder interest than she would herself have been pleased to
have voluntarily expressed. Her voice faltered and her hand
trembled, and it was only the cold question of Ivanhoe, “Is it
you, gentle maiden?” which recalled her to herself, and re-
Sir Walter Scott
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minded her the sensations which she felt were not and could
not be mutual. A sigh escaped, but it was scarce audible; and
the questions which she asked the knight concerning his state
of health were put in the tone of calm friendship. Ivanhoe
answered her hastily that he was, in point of health, as well,
and better than he could have expected—“Thanks,” he said,
“dear Rebecca, to thy helpful skill.”
“He calls me dear Rebecca,” said the maiden to herself, “but
it is in the cold and careless tone which ill suits the word. His
war-horse—his hunting hound, are dearer to him than the
despised Jewess!”
“My mind, gentle maiden,” continued Ivanhoe, “is more
disturbed by anxiety, than my body with pain. From the
speeches of those men who were my warders just now, I learn
that I am a prisoner, and, if I judge aright of the loud hoarse
voice which even now dispatched them hence on some military
duty, I am in the castle of Front-de-Boeuf—If so, how
will this end, or how can I protect Rowena and my father?”
“He names not the Jew or Jewess,” said Rebecca internally;
“yet what is our portion in him, and how justly am I punished
by Heaven for letting my thoughts dwell upon him!”